The Most Meaningful Gift for Expecting Parents: A Maternity or Newborn Photography Gift Certificate
When someone you love is expecting, it's tempting to reach for another swaddle or a stack of board books. Those gifts are lovely, but they're outgrown in a season. A maternity or newborn session is something a family keeps forever.
Every year, grandparents, partners, and close friends ask me how to give the gift of portraits. Here's everything you need to know about gifting a session at our Walnut Creek studio.
Why a Photography Session Is a Gift That Lasts
Pregnancy and the newborn weeks pass faster than any parent expects. Most families tell me they meant to book photos and simply ran out of time. A gift certificate takes that decision off their plate and makes sure those weeks are preserved.
It's also a gift of rest. Our sessions are full-service, so the parents don't plan outfits or worry about posing. They simply show up and let us take care of them.
What the Gift Includes
Every session at our studio includes a phone consultation, access to our studio wardrobe, and an in-studio design and ordering appointment where the family chooses their artwork.
With a Signature session, mama also enjoys professional hair and makeup, multiple wardrobe changes, and an extended portrait session. Newborn Signature sessions include family and sibling portraits as well.
How Much to Give
I recommend giving a gift credit equal to the session fee plus the digital collection. The credit covers the session fee, and the rest applies toward the heirloom artwork the family designs at their ordering appointment.
Signature Session: $450 (Session fee) + $2,000 credit toward artwork = $2,450 Recommended Gift
Petite Session: $250 (Session fee) + $1,500 credit toward artwork = $1,750 Recommended Gift
Here's why I suggest it this way… when families invest in artwork, their digital files are discounted or included. A credit toward artwork gives them portraits on their walls and the files to share.
A smaller gift is always welcome too. Covering the session fee alone is a beautiful way to help a family get started.
When to Give It
The best time to give a gift certificate is early so the family has time to plan. I often book out a few weeks in advance and some months can be booked out even earlier. If you’re waiting to present a gift during a special occasion or event, it’s best if you reach out to me as early as you can so I can make a note of the family’s due date in my calendar. As a note, here is when I typically suggest having sessions take place:
For maternity portraits: the ideal time for the session is between 30 and 34 weeks, when the bump is beautifully round and mama still feels comfortable.
For newborn portraits: sessions take place within the first two weeks after the due date, so families should reserve their spot during pregnancy.
That makes a gift certificate a perfect holiday gift, baby shower gift, or push present for a partner who wants to plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your photography gift certificates expire? No, but we recommend using them in the year of purchase, since artwork pricing may change.
What can a gift certificate be used for? The gift credit applies to the session fee first and the remaining balance goes toward the family's artwork, such as heirloom albums, framed prints, and wall art. Any remaining credit can be applied to the family's digital files at our sliding-scale pricing, so nothing goes unused.
Can I gift a maternity and a newborn session together? Yes. Many families document both chapters with us. Reach out and we'll help you put together the right gift.
How do I purchase a gift certificate? The best way to purchase a certificate is to reach out directly to me so I can make sure I have availability and walk you through all the various options that are available when purchasing a gift certificate.
Give a Gift They'll Treasure for a Lifetime
Years from now, the swaddles will be packed away, but the portraits on their walls will still be there. If you'd like to give the expecting parents in your life a gift they'll never outgrow, reach out to purchase a gift certificate. I'd be honored to help.